YQNA is among the founding members of the new umbrella organization Waterfront for All. The proposed naturalization and flood-proofing of the Don River mouth was the focus at the launch of Waterfront for All on Oct. 20, 2016. The flood protection will unlock 75 acres of natural habitat — wetlands, uplands and aquatic habitat — and protect 600 acres of land from flood risk.

“The revitalization of Toronto’s waterfront is not complete without a naturalized Don River mouth and the transformation of the Port Lands,” says Ed Hore, chair of Waterfront for All. “Waterfront Toronto, the leading agency, makes a compelling case for all three levels of government to finally move ahead with secure funding the Port Lands flood protection.”

The new umbrella organization is growing as groups from across Toronto are invited to join. Any individual or group can sign up on the website www.waterfrontforall.ca and get news about Toronto’s Waterfront, the largest urban renewal project in North America. Ideas and support from all over the city are needed to grow new neighbourhoods and public spaces from Etobicoke to Scarborough.

Waterfront Toronto (WT) successfully leads the revitalization, winning many international awards for completed projects. Queens Quay on the Central Waterfront, for example, is a huge attraction for residents of the GTA and visitors. CEO of WT, Will Fleissig says: “Everyone in Toronto has two neighbourhoods, their own and the Waterfront.” Another good reason to be part of Waterfront for All!